So I also won £25.00 on the Euro millions. £25 million would have been better, but I was none the less excited by my win, which I swiftly converted into fuel. They say "it" comes in 3's, so I'm bracing myself for my next win. I'll keep you posted and let you know when I need to make my bed up.
When I returned home last Sunday after my lovely weekend away, I could not believe how quickly "bad" foods had had an impact on my body. I was feeling hormonally bloated too, but still, I only have to glance at cheese and my thighs and bottom expand.
It's Friday by the way and Mr Regular, (in Starbucks,) has already queried what I'm doing here today, and now he's asked me to keep an eye on his gadgets while he nips back to the car for something. I take my iPod out of my ears so that I'm extra alert and not distracted, I take my duties very seriously.
On the way here, I listened to the Chris Evans breakfast show on BBC Radio 2, I only caught the last embers of the interview but Boris Becker had been on and five minutes later, Chris declared that Boris was the easiest guest he'd ever had on. I've had a soft spot for Boris ever since he won his first Wimbledon, (which incidentally begins again next week,) he was, (if my brain serves me correctly,) something like 17 years, 7 months and 7 days when he won Wimbledon. I totally may have made that up, but the gist of the story is, I think it was his destiny to win that first Wimbledon Championship and I'm pretty certain we're around the same age, therefore, I must support.
Our good friend Sheila has invited me for lunch today. I haven't seen Sheila since December, and we only live 10 minutes from each other, shame on me. As usual when we get together, 4 hours passes in the blink of an eye. It's so lovely to catch up and we cover every subject.
My gorgeous and recently separated nephew CJ sent me a text last night to enlist my help in sofa shopping with him on Saturday. I love my CJ and I'd do anything for him, which means that I'm now double booked or at least somewhat stretched on Saturday.
I go out for coffee at 8.30am, shop a little, recycle, call in at B's for an hour and a coffee, head home and text CJ as I'm leaving to say that I'll be home in 10, at which point he picks me up and we head to the next town and a sofa showroom. CJ and I happily sofa hop, it's funny because in the instant our bottoms touch down on a sofa, we know if it's worth considering as a viable option. No dilly dallying for us, we are decision makers.
Quite early on, maybe our 4th sofa, we both like a brown leather, 4 seater. We circumnavigate the showroom which includes the "bargain, buy now" area which I rename the "sofa graveyard," then we head back to the brown leather named "Baron" for another sit down, measure up and photograph. Gosh we make a decisive team. At one point, after the third assistant has checked that we're okay, CJ offers that he wonders if they think that I'm, "his bird." I won't even go into the use of that particular colloquialism, just as long as they don't think I'm his Mother.
I loved spending time with my sweet nephew CJ, it was so easy spending time with him today. I don't know what I was singing, but I unconsciously was singing something I'd heard on the radio earlier, shows you how comfortable I am in front of him that I didn't even realise that I was singing. "I love your singing." I then waited for some kind of derogatory remark... it helps strip paint, scares the magpies away... something of that ilk but no... "it's so soft and gentle." How cute is my (grown up) nephew? I know, don't worry, I won't tell him he's cute, it's not very manly.
So, we headed for another showroom after the original but we covered this in less than 10 minutes, we did a kind of drive by version of the earlier showroom visit and I vetoed everything, it all looked cheap in comparison, not bargain cheap, just cheap. On the way home, CJ decided to take me to the nearest Starbucks for a coffee, which happened to be in the hotel that he had his wedding reception in. I told him that this was the first time I'd been back since his wedding and we laughed a little, he said that if there was a wedding going on, he might scream, "don't do it," but he was only kidding, I know he's a romantic at heard and he'll find someone wonderful in the not too distant.
I get home around 4pm, starving and having lost the will to now start my housework. I do very little except email and talk on the phone catching up with J, (CJ's Mum,) and my cousin L.
The film "Australia" is on tonight and not much else. I've seen the film a few times before and it's good, and there isn't anything else on that I'd rather watch so I indulge again, how can you not enjoy Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman in a sprawling landscape? I've never noticed it before, but in the last five minutes of the film, they play "Nimrod," from Edward Elgar's "Enigma Variations." They play this piece every Armistice Sunday in Whitehall and I have always loved it and found it moving, so when the time came, I requested that it was played for Mum. It is the most beautiful piece of music, and yes, I cried, again. Shocker.
http://youtu.be/NhnMd1Jl7SA
Sunday, 24 June 2012
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Three Degrees of Separation
It's Friday, and it's taken me until today to feel remotely normal. Think it was just a busy weekend, hormones, and I haven't slept great since I got home, despite being tired every night.
Work wasn't terrible, I intended to finish early on Thursday, but then got conned into attending a meeting in place of an absent manager. It wasn't too late a finish though.
Did I tell you that something weird happened to my body with regard to bell peppers? I've always been able to eat most things ... except peppers, they just never agreed with me. After my last visit to Wagamama's, it dawned on me that the tiny amount of peppers in my favourite Yaki Soba dish, did not in fact... persecute me, as I should have expected them to.
And so, I decided to buy a few bell peppers, red, green and yellow, and I gave my own stir fry a whirl to see if I was okay after eating. Lo and behold, I was absolutely fine. Can you imagine how excited I was? Peppers are just so good for you, I couldn't believe that I could eat them without repercussion. Needless to say, since I did my test run, I've had stir fry most nights and I feel oh so virtuous and healthy, even after a huge plate full. I've been having; fresh ginger, (lots of it... love it,) onion, red, green, yellow peppers, spring onion, beansprouts, straight to wok noodles, an egg, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce... just delicious. I'm getting really good at it, I've discovered the trick is to throw the ginger and onion in first, after a minute pretty much throw everything else in together, but make sure the noodles are hot before you add the egg, then you're golden, otherwise, you're slightly gooey.
I did sleep okay last night, think I'm slowly getting back to normal. I'm going to have lunch with Sheila today. I can't wait, I'm ashamed to say that I haven't seen her since December, we only live 10 minutes apart, hence the shame. This year has just flown by.
The weather continues to be terrible, the rain is torrential. B was going to help me with the garden tomorrow but looks like we'll be rained off. J & G have arrived home from two weeks in a cottage in Cornwall, had a lovely time but again, weather not good.
Did I tell you that I sent in a response to an article in Grazia magazine regarding "Miss Good Enough?" I got letter of the week again, I was incensed by the article, I can't tell you how mad I was. Anyway, it got me a prize worth more than £150.00, when I read the details of the prize I'd won, I'd actually never heard of the brand but when I clicked on the "testimonial" button on the website, names like "Bette Midler, Rachel McAdams, Jake Gyllenhaal..." popped up. You know, in the six degrees of separation game, I reckon I'm now only three degrees from the delectable Ryan Gosling! Could I really ask for any more? Two out of three letters I've submitted have won "letter of the week." This could become a bit of a game for me ;)
http://www.johnmasters.co.uk/testimonials.html
Work wasn't terrible, I intended to finish early on Thursday, but then got conned into attending a meeting in place of an absent manager. It wasn't too late a finish though.
Did I tell you that something weird happened to my body with regard to bell peppers? I've always been able to eat most things ... except peppers, they just never agreed with me. After my last visit to Wagamama's, it dawned on me that the tiny amount of peppers in my favourite Yaki Soba dish, did not in fact... persecute me, as I should have expected them to.
And so, I decided to buy a few bell peppers, red, green and yellow, and I gave my own stir fry a whirl to see if I was okay after eating. Lo and behold, I was absolutely fine. Can you imagine how excited I was? Peppers are just so good for you, I couldn't believe that I could eat them without repercussion. Needless to say, since I did my test run, I've had stir fry most nights and I feel oh so virtuous and healthy, even after a huge plate full. I've been having; fresh ginger, (lots of it... love it,) onion, red, green, yellow peppers, spring onion, beansprouts, straight to wok noodles, an egg, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce... just delicious. I'm getting really good at it, I've discovered the trick is to throw the ginger and onion in first, after a minute pretty much throw everything else in together, but make sure the noodles are hot before you add the egg, then you're golden, otherwise, you're slightly gooey.
I did sleep okay last night, think I'm slowly getting back to normal. I'm going to have lunch with Sheila today. I can't wait, I'm ashamed to say that I haven't seen her since December, we only live 10 minutes apart, hence the shame. This year has just flown by.
The weather continues to be terrible, the rain is torrential. B was going to help me with the garden tomorrow but looks like we'll be rained off. J & G have arrived home from two weeks in a cottage in Cornwall, had a lovely time but again, weather not good.
Did I tell you that I sent in a response to an article in Grazia magazine regarding "Miss Good Enough?" I got letter of the week again, I was incensed by the article, I can't tell you how mad I was. Anyway, it got me a prize worth more than £150.00, when I read the details of the prize I'd won, I'd actually never heard of the brand but when I clicked on the "testimonial" button on the website, names like "Bette Midler, Rachel McAdams, Jake Gyllenhaal..." popped up. You know, in the six degrees of separation game, I reckon I'm now only three degrees from the delectable Ryan Gosling! Could I really ask for any more? Two out of three letters I've submitted have won "letter of the week." This could become a bit of a game for me ;)
http://www.johnmasters.co.uk/testimonials.html
Turkey Ham?
So, despite my silent, major panicking, we made it back in plenty of time. We even lounged around for an hour or more reading the Sunday papers and watching TV before having to set out for the airport. No hold ups on the way there and JR deposited me in plenty of time, I'd much rather be there early than racing through security looking hot, (in a bad way,) and suspicious.
I'm in the airport bar with a Pinot Grigio and soda on one of those high bar stools and high single legged tables, in reasonable distance, (if I squint,) of the departure board. I'm just writing to you about how panicked I'd been about if we'd make it back from London in time, when H texts me to check I'm at the airport because she knows how panicked I'd been about making it back from London in time. I text back to say yes I'm back, and yes I'm in the airport, and my phone immediately rings, it's H. We catch up more in 5 minutes than we have all weekend, it's the first chance we've had and it was lovely. We say our goodbyes and I pull out my iPod and Corinne Bailey Rae's, "Just Like a Star." I keep checking the departure board, with a squint, but no gate as yet.
I feel like when I get home, a new chapter will be waiting for me. By morning, the new chapter will probably, very closely resemble... the old chapter.
I charge out of the airport automatic doors at 7.59pm, one minute early, to see B slowly navigating the road in front of departures. I wave, like a maniac and wave and she slows down, it turns out to navigate the speed bump, then speeds up again and leaves me waving in her rear view mirror. She obviously hasn't seen me so I determine that she'll head for the roundabout and come round again so I head to the far end of the pick up point, nearest to the roundabout. I switch on my phone, just in case, (B does not text anyone as a rule,) and wait... for five minutes. "Text me when you're at the pick up point," I receive. "I'm at the pickup point, you just drove past me," I reply. Two minutes later and B is heading towards me smiling. It's okay, she knows I was joking and I know she didn't see me. You can no longer wait in the pick up point, you have to have a passenger waiting to be picked up... to wait in the pick up... if you get my drift.
So, forty minutes later, we're home, my home. B comes in with a food parcel. A fresh loaf, a packet of, "turkey ham," (what?) By the time I'd put my weekend washing in the machine, myself in the shower, I was a tad empty, so I ventured into a "turkey ham" sandwich. I know that speaking to a vegetarian, I don't really need to go into detail, but I'm going to anyway. I've had turkey-bacon before, and as I remember, it wasn't terrible, but not something I'd choose these days. Turkey ham is a totally, well, it's another animal. For starters, it smells like, a dead turkey and has the consistency of blancmange. Imagine eating a smelly, blancmange sandwich. I was hungry and still couldn't manage to eat it, it was binned, two bites in. Vile.
I'm in the airport bar with a Pinot Grigio and soda on one of those high bar stools and high single legged tables, in reasonable distance, (if I squint,) of the departure board. I'm just writing to you about how panicked I'd been about if we'd make it back from London in time, when H texts me to check I'm at the airport because she knows how panicked I'd been about making it back from London in time. I text back to say yes I'm back, and yes I'm in the airport, and my phone immediately rings, it's H. We catch up more in 5 minutes than we have all weekend, it's the first chance we've had and it was lovely. We say our goodbyes and I pull out my iPod and Corinne Bailey Rae's, "Just Like a Star." I keep checking the departure board, with a squint, but no gate as yet.
I feel like when I get home, a new chapter will be waiting for me. By morning, the new chapter will probably, very closely resemble... the old chapter.
I charge out of the airport automatic doors at 7.59pm, one minute early, to see B slowly navigating the road in front of departures. I wave, like a maniac and wave and she slows down, it turns out to navigate the speed bump, then speeds up again and leaves me waving in her rear view mirror. She obviously hasn't seen me so I determine that she'll head for the roundabout and come round again so I head to the far end of the pick up point, nearest to the roundabout. I switch on my phone, just in case, (B does not text anyone as a rule,) and wait... for five minutes. "Text me when you're at the pick up point," I receive. "I'm at the pickup point, you just drove past me," I reply. Two minutes later and B is heading towards me smiling. It's okay, she knows I was joking and I know she didn't see me. You can no longer wait in the pick up point, you have to have a passenger waiting to be picked up... to wait in the pick up... if you get my drift.
So, forty minutes later, we're home, my home. B comes in with a food parcel. A fresh loaf, a packet of, "turkey ham," (what?) By the time I'd put my weekend washing in the machine, myself in the shower, I was a tad empty, so I ventured into a "turkey ham" sandwich. I know that speaking to a vegetarian, I don't really need to go into detail, but I'm going to anyway. I've had turkey-bacon before, and as I remember, it wasn't terrible, but not something I'd choose these days. Turkey ham is a totally, well, it's another animal. For starters, it smells like, a dead turkey and has the consistency of blancmange. Imagine eating a smelly, blancmange sandwich. I was hungry and still couldn't manage to eat it, it was binned, two bites in. Vile.
Friday, 22 June 2012
Tiny Sandy Bullock
So, it's Sunday morning, it was a little later when I disturbed this morning, I keep waking around 5am but this morning, it's nearer 6, woo hoo. I keep nodding off but I'm conscious that of all mornings, I cannot sleep late today. Still, I do nod a little and get up at 7.15, later than any other day this weekend. I start to unload the dishwasher and get breakfast ready, (when I say, "get ready," I mean I'm getting the fruit out of the fridge as straight from the fridge fruit, pains my teeth.) JR is up 5 minutes later so we get a move on, no dilly dallying this morning.
We're leaving home at 8.55am, JR drives most of the way then we park up in Ealing and get the Tube into central London so that we can head for the V&A, the Victoria and Albert Museum. A few months ago, JR and I saw and exhibition of Princess Grace of Monaco's fashion, today, it's an exhibition of ballgowns from 1950's to present day. I sent JR the link weeks ago, incase she wanted to go, not thinking that I'd get to go before the exhibition was over, but here we are, heading to view.
I wouldn't say I'm a total fashionista, and you would never know from looking at me, (as you know C,) but I can appreciate a good frock ;) Some of the dresses are amusing, some interesting, some are works of art and are just mesmerising. Add to that a bit of Hollywood glamour and you have me captivated.
Three dresses that really caught my attention in particular, and came under the scruitiny of my aesthetic eye; dresses worn by Ms Sandra Bullock, Ms Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Ms Maggie Gyllenhaal, told you, a bit of glamour and I'm a total tart. Anyway, I lingered longer than I should have in front of these gowns... then at the back of the display to check for bulldog clips. These dresses are tiny! I was mesmerised by Sandy Bullocks, she is gorgeous as we all know, and heaven knows, she's obviously slim, but this dress was tiny!!!! Sandy is tiny! No bulldog clips in sight. The camera must add more than 10lbs. All three ladies must be over 5ft 7" and I would estimate that they are between a UK size 6-8, US size 2-4. Seriously tiny. The dresses were beautiful too, I've scoured Google and cannot find a close up of the dusky pink number with crystals by Roland Mouret that was Sandra Bullock's, it is beautiful and I soaked up every inch.
Also on display was a work of art by Marchesa, black/white/grey confectionery that any woman would have floated in, just beautiful. And then the Princess of Wales' "Elvis" gown, remember the Catherine Walker white strapless dress with Bolero jacket that was crystal and pearl encrusted? You would know it if you saw it. It's a little lacklustre these days due to age, it's over 25 years old now but you can tell that it was once stunning, again, another tall lady.
I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition, I love anything like that. I was however worried about getting into London and then back out so that I could get to the airport on time. Still, all was fine and we even fitted in cheese on toast at home before JR drove me to the airport.
Click on this...
We're leaving home at 8.55am, JR drives most of the way then we park up in Ealing and get the Tube into central London so that we can head for the V&A, the Victoria and Albert Museum. A few months ago, JR and I saw and exhibition of Princess Grace of Monaco's fashion, today, it's an exhibition of ballgowns from 1950's to present day. I sent JR the link weeks ago, incase she wanted to go, not thinking that I'd get to go before the exhibition was over, but here we are, heading to view.
I wouldn't say I'm a total fashionista, and you would never know from looking at me, (as you know C,) but I can appreciate a good frock ;) Some of the dresses are amusing, some interesting, some are works of art and are just mesmerising. Add to that a bit of Hollywood glamour and you have me captivated.
Three dresses that really caught my attention in particular, and came under the scruitiny of my aesthetic eye; dresses worn by Ms Sandra Bullock, Ms Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Ms Maggie Gyllenhaal, told you, a bit of glamour and I'm a total tart. Anyway, I lingered longer than I should have in front of these gowns... then at the back of the display to check for bulldog clips. These dresses are tiny! I was mesmerised by Sandy Bullocks, she is gorgeous as we all know, and heaven knows, she's obviously slim, but this dress was tiny!!!! Sandy is tiny! No bulldog clips in sight. The camera must add more than 10lbs. All three ladies must be over 5ft 7" and I would estimate that they are between a UK size 6-8, US size 2-4. Seriously tiny. The dresses were beautiful too, I've scoured Google and cannot find a close up of the dusky pink number with crystals by Roland Mouret that was Sandra Bullock's, it is beautiful and I soaked up every inch.
Also on display was a work of art by Marchesa, black/white/grey confectionery that any woman would have floated in, just beautiful. And then the Princess of Wales' "Elvis" gown, remember the Catherine Walker white strapless dress with Bolero jacket that was crystal and pearl encrusted? You would know it if you saw it. It's a little lacklustre these days due to age, it's over 25 years old now but you can tell that it was once stunning, again, another tall lady.
I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition, I love anything like that. I was however worried about getting into London and then back out so that I could get to the airport on time. Still, all was fine and we even fitted in cheese on toast at home before JR drove me to the airport.
Click on this...
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2145066/Ballgowns-British-Glamour-Since-1950-exhibition-V-A-museum-Formal-gowns-decades.html
Picture courtesy of Justjared.com
Picture courtesy of Justjared.com Monday, 18 June 2012
Gin Rummy
JR and I picked up H and headed for Fareham. It's a dull, cool and overcast day. We park up and head for coffee. We're in a low key shopping mall but it's nice enough and at least it's mostly warm and definitely dry. JR and H both indulge in purchases and I enjoy acting as personal shopper to them both... not that they need me.
After spending an eon deciding what to have for lunch and practically adopting an old lady in the queue and walking her through the menu choices and prices of everything, (it's taken her an hour to get here on the bus, she's lost without her car, thank God they took away her licence when they did, and the mall wasn't even built the last time she was here,) we all have jacket potatoes for lunch with various fillings, then it's back to H's for coffee and a biscuit. JR and I head home before we all fall asleep in the conservatory. We relax for a while then JR makes dinner, she's already started it, it's a Slimming World recipe for "Buttery Chicken." I have to say that it in no way tastes "buttery," but it is totally delicious and I've already requested it for the next time I'm down.
We watch "Chain Reaction," the old Keanu film, I've seen it a few times before but not for a while and JR ahs never seen it. It's gone 11pm when we head to our rooms, I've had a sleeping tablet so I go to sleep quickly but I'm awake again by 5am.
So it's Saturday morning finally, (I kept thinking that yesterday was Saturday.) S&H, our friends from Hampstead Heath, are moving shortly and we're all congregating at the new house in Farnham while we catch up and they measure up. The new place is gorgeous. It's big, but not so big that it doesn't feel like a home and it has beautiful high ceilings, my favourite. The light is just beautiful in every room.
We have a catch up and JR and H and I aim to keep baby, (2.5 year old A,) occupied while Mummy and Daddy measure up. After the grand tour and a little play time, we all headed to a pub 5 minutes away. I chose ham and cheese on granary. It was a little too much bread for me, more than I'm used to anyway, but it was very nice and it was good to all, sit down and eat together, it must have been three years since we last did that.
After a lovely few hours, after A sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and a bit of "You Are My Sunshine," (my favourite,) we said our goodbyes. JR and I dropped H off at home and we headed back.
Just after 7pm and H&M arrived. We dined together, watched the highlights of Trooping of the Colour then played cards together. It must be 25 years+ since I last played Gin Rummy but it was fun, then we finished off with "sevens."
H&M left around 11.30pm and I crashed into bed again, going out like a light. Sunday tomorrow and I need to be up early.
After spending an eon deciding what to have for lunch and practically adopting an old lady in the queue and walking her through the menu choices and prices of everything, (it's taken her an hour to get here on the bus, she's lost without her car, thank God they took away her licence when they did, and the mall wasn't even built the last time she was here,) we all have jacket potatoes for lunch with various fillings, then it's back to H's for coffee and a biscuit. JR and I head home before we all fall asleep in the conservatory. We relax for a while then JR makes dinner, she's already started it, it's a Slimming World recipe for "Buttery Chicken." I have to say that it in no way tastes "buttery," but it is totally delicious and I've already requested it for the next time I'm down.
We watch "Chain Reaction," the old Keanu film, I've seen it a few times before but not for a while and JR ahs never seen it. It's gone 11pm when we head to our rooms, I've had a sleeping tablet so I go to sleep quickly but I'm awake again by 5am.
So it's Saturday morning finally, (I kept thinking that yesterday was Saturday.) S&H, our friends from Hampstead Heath, are moving shortly and we're all congregating at the new house in Farnham while we catch up and they measure up. The new place is gorgeous. It's big, but not so big that it doesn't feel like a home and it has beautiful high ceilings, my favourite. The light is just beautiful in every room.
We have a catch up and JR and H and I aim to keep baby, (2.5 year old A,) occupied while Mummy and Daddy measure up. After the grand tour and a little play time, we all headed to a pub 5 minutes away. I chose ham and cheese on granary. It was a little too much bread for me, more than I'm used to anyway, but it was very nice and it was good to all, sit down and eat together, it must have been three years since we last did that.
After a lovely few hours, after A sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and a bit of "You Are My Sunshine," (my favourite,) we said our goodbyes. JR and I dropped H off at home and we headed back.
Just after 7pm and H&M arrived. We dined together, watched the highlights of Trooping of the Colour then played cards together. It must be 25 years+ since I last played Gin Rummy but it was fun, then we finished off with "sevens."
H&M left around 11.30pm and I crashed into bed again, going out like a light. Sunday tomorrow and I need to be up early.
Touch Down
The flight was fine, we were shrouded in cloud for 99% of the journey, such is this summer. 10 minutes from landing and the man sitting next to me struck up a conversation, he'd been to Manchester for a works conference, we discussed the weather, Southampton to Manchester flights, the England match, his journey home and where my friends live.
As we came into land, the wings lurched from side to side, you know the way you do when you're pretending to be a plane for a small child? No exaggeration was necessary, we were lurching. Despite the weather, Captain Nichols gave us a surprisingly smooth landing, I was impressed.
JR had had to park up as we didn't actually take off until 18.35 so even later than anticipated. The 20 minutes she'd parked up cost me £4.00. Rip off.
Anyway, with the windscreen wipers on double time, we headed to the home of H&M for dinner. M had a prior engagement but H was waiting for me with a lovely glass of red wine. H had prepared Toasted Pitta bread with pesto hummus, Caesar Salad and Mango and Passion Fruit cheesecake, followed by more red wine, coffee, and red wine. JR is teetotal, thankfully or we'd be walking home.
Went back to JR's and straight to bed. It was around midnight and the rain was still hammering down. I woke at 5am, in the middle of a dream in which I couldn't breathe, then I remembered that I hadn't packed my inhalers.
Crash
Quite a day so far. Slept great, a solid 9 hours which I really needed. Got up, breakfasted, attempted to jog but only managed 20 minutes, neither my legs nor heart were into it quite frankly. I did a tiny bit of toning then hit the shower.
I headed for Starbucks and no sooner had I sat my coffee on the bar and parked my bum, than there was a loud rap on the window, which scared me to death, and it was my friend Carol. She entered, promptly hugged me, kissed me, plonked her bag down, got a coffee then came to join me. We caught up for an hour discussing everything from work to love life. I bade my farewells then hit the shops for a birthday present for JR.
Returned home a little later than planned and finished the ironing I'd started before heading out for coffee, then I packed and showered again. B arrived on time to take me to the airport and even though I told her to just place me at the drop off point, she insisted on coming in to have a coffee with me. We were having a lovely conversation but I was conscious of the time and had to cut her short. She told me that she was okay for time but I explained that I had to get through security, bless her.
I sailed through security, didn't even have to take my boots off today. I bought a magazine then queued for a very long time at Costa to have my usual, "beginning of holiday / pre-flight" wine. It's packed and I can't even see the window from the table I eventually find. I am however, opposite the toilets, so you can imagine how thrilled I am.
So, I'm really looking forward to the weekend, although I've probably chosen the worst weekend ever to go down. S&H are trying to get ready to move, and they can probably do without having to fit in a catch up with me, it's Father's Day on Sunday so H&M will be busy with M's lovely Dad, and England play on Friday night in the European Championships. Really great timing.
The flight is delayed. Should have boarded at 16.30 for departure 17.00. The gate isn't being announced when it should be, I keep checking the boards. Eventually, around 16.55, the board is flashing, "5 mins to Gate," or something like that. Anyway, 15 minutes later, instead of a Gate number flashing up, we get a message to say the new departure time is 18.20. Not happy.
They eventually announce Gate 144, so I make me way there so that I can sit down and stop roaming around like Tom Hanks. I pull out my journal and iPod and listen to "Just Like a Star," it soothes me.
I'm feeling a bit so-so. I'm probably just hormonal, tired, hungry, and I should be mid-air by now.
We finally board. Captain Catherine Nichols apologises for the delay and adds that the plane we should have been on had "technical difficulties," the plane we're now sitting on is the replacement and it was late coming in from Nice. I instantly remember my plane crash dream and suddenly don't mind being delayed at all.
I headed for Starbucks and no sooner had I sat my coffee on the bar and parked my bum, than there was a loud rap on the window, which scared me to death, and it was my friend Carol. She entered, promptly hugged me, kissed me, plonked her bag down, got a coffee then came to join me. We caught up for an hour discussing everything from work to love life. I bade my farewells then hit the shops for a birthday present for JR.
Returned home a little later than planned and finished the ironing I'd started before heading out for coffee, then I packed and showered again. B arrived on time to take me to the airport and even though I told her to just place me at the drop off point, she insisted on coming in to have a coffee with me. We were having a lovely conversation but I was conscious of the time and had to cut her short. She told me that she was okay for time but I explained that I had to get through security, bless her.
I sailed through security, didn't even have to take my boots off today. I bought a magazine then queued for a very long time at Costa to have my usual, "beginning of holiday / pre-flight" wine. It's packed and I can't even see the window from the table I eventually find. I am however, opposite the toilets, so you can imagine how thrilled I am.
So, I'm really looking forward to the weekend, although I've probably chosen the worst weekend ever to go down. S&H are trying to get ready to move, and they can probably do without having to fit in a catch up with me, it's Father's Day on Sunday so H&M will be busy with M's lovely Dad, and England play on Friday night in the European Championships. Really great timing.
The flight is delayed. Should have boarded at 16.30 for departure 17.00. The gate isn't being announced when it should be, I keep checking the boards. Eventually, around 16.55, the board is flashing, "5 mins to Gate," or something like that. Anyway, 15 minutes later, instead of a Gate number flashing up, we get a message to say the new departure time is 18.20. Not happy.
They eventually announce Gate 144, so I make me way there so that I can sit down and stop roaming around like Tom Hanks. I pull out my journal and iPod and listen to "Just Like a Star," it soothes me.
I'm feeling a bit so-so. I'm probably just hormonal, tired, hungry, and I should be mid-air by now.
We finally board. Captain Catherine Nichols apologises for the delay and adds that the plane we should have been on had "technical difficulties," the plane we're now sitting on is the replacement and it was late coming in from Nice. I instantly remember my plane crash dream and suddenly don't mind being delayed at all.
Miss Good Enough?
So, Sunday afternoon, finally spoke to B on the phone and she kept pressing and pressing that she could hear in my voice that something was wrong. I told her that it was the worry of work messing up my pay, and me trying to get it sorted for the past 3 weeks, that had taken it's toll. It's not a total lie, I am totally frustrated by idiotic management in work and certain people not taking ownership of their own mistakes, not to mention me having to ask for an apology, it's just not the whole story.
B told me that she knows I'm slim and healthy, but I sometimes look too thin. I explained that needs must, I try to make healthy food choices within budget, and it's not like I'm going to starve. I think she's taken on the Mother role a little too literally, you know how Mother's only think that you're healthy if you're 24lbs overweight.
I got a wonderful email from my friend S this afternoon, saying that a certain male must have been intoxicated by my; "lovely personality and groovy sense of humour, not to mention good looks and easy going nature." Well, you know you have a good friend when they lie like that, don't you? Note to self, have a word with S about the use of the word, "groovy."
It's now Wednesday and I've struggled so far this week with headaches, more headaches. I really must get my eyes tested. I got a job application off and submitted a piece to a magazine in response to the most infuriating article I have ever read in my life. Seriously, you could not have physically stopped me from responding, it was all about "Tom, 35," settling for, wait for it... "Miss Good Enough." Don't even get me started. Let's just say, I wrote from the, "Miss Good Enough" point of view, bite me.
It's now Thursday and I'm in the middle of packing for my weekend away, I leave this afternoon. I really think the change of scenery and company of good friends will do me the world of good, it's just what I need.
B told me that she knows I'm slim and healthy, but I sometimes look too thin. I explained that needs must, I try to make healthy food choices within budget, and it's not like I'm going to starve. I think she's taken on the Mother role a little too literally, you know how Mother's only think that you're healthy if you're 24lbs overweight.
I got a wonderful email from my friend S this afternoon, saying that a certain male must have been intoxicated by my; "lovely personality and groovy sense of humour, not to mention good looks and easy going nature." Well, you know you have a good friend when they lie like that, don't you? Note to self, have a word with S about the use of the word, "groovy."
It's now Wednesday and I've struggled so far this week with headaches, more headaches. I really must get my eyes tested. I got a job application off and submitted a piece to a magazine in response to the most infuriating article I have ever read in my life. Seriously, you could not have physically stopped me from responding, it was all about "Tom, 35," settling for, wait for it... "Miss Good Enough." Don't even get me started. Let's just say, I wrote from the, "Miss Good Enough" point of view, bite me.
It's now Thursday and I'm in the middle of packing for my weekend away, I leave this afternoon. I really think the change of scenery and company of good friends will do me the world of good, it's just what I need.
Sunday, 10 June 2012
Bruised Heart
I slept like a log last night, (due to wine and other substances, nothing illegal, don't worry,) I woke surprisingly early. I had breakfast, (yes, I'm back to having breakfast on a daily basis after a wobble of a few months.) I jogged for 40 minutes, did 5 of toning, hit the shower and then spoke to you. It was so great to chat this morning. Thanks again for phoning. I didn't expect you to get the email update so quickly. Chatting on the phone this morning was almost as good as having you around the corner with a strong cup of coffee and a ready ear. I know that you want me to be open and calm but I'm honestly done, and annoyed with myself for letting my guard down for a second. My heart isn't broken, that happened 9 years ago. I am happy as I am, you don't need to worry about me, but I am swearing off men, from this day forth.
After me telling you how bad the weather had been, the sun is actually shining just now. After coffee and a substantial update with Fay, my friend who works here, I need to buy a birthday present for a friend in work, and a birthday card for JR. I need to recycle, buy a bottle of medicinal wine, get fuel then head for my darling nephew CJ's for coffee, I've been invited, it's that cool? He's my baby nephew and I can remember as clear as day, the day he was born and the first time I saw him, have to say, he's far more handsome now, even when he hasn't shaved. He is a little battered and bruised also, but he'll be fine.
The next time I write, I'll probably be in an airport lounge, with wine. Happy Days.
After me telling you how bad the weather had been, the sun is actually shining just now. After coffee and a substantial update with Fay, my friend who works here, I need to buy a birthday present for a friend in work, and a birthday card for JR. I need to recycle, buy a bottle of medicinal wine, get fuel then head for my darling nephew CJ's for coffee, I've been invited, it's that cool? He's my baby nephew and I can remember as clear as day, the day he was born and the first time I saw him, have to say, he's far more handsome now, even when he hasn't shaved. He is a little battered and bruised also, but he'll be fine.
The next time I write, I'll probably be in an airport lounge, with wine. Happy Days.
GI Jack
Did I tell you that I'm going to attempt to eat low GI in future? (Apart from the chocolate coin I've just had in Starbucks of course.) I may be repeating myself but I'll give you a summary. I dug out an old book from the labyrinth that is "the box room." The book is called; "Dr Nicholas Perricone's Programme." Anyway, Dr P talks a lot of sense, I'd love to follow the actual diet he prescribes, but I can't afford to live on salmon for most of the week, still, something he explains did actually make a lot of sense. I'm going to paraphrase as I'm not sure I can quote directly from the book without losing my shirt. Dr P basically says that you could be carrying 5000 extra calories on your thighs but you won't be able to burn it off because insulin, (sugar,) in your bloodstream keeps the 5000 locked away so it can't be used for fuel. By sticking to low GI foods, this locked in fat will gradually be used for fuel on your body as it won't have any ready sugar roaming around your bloodstream to use as a quick fix.
Isn't that genius? Doesn't it make sense? The penny really dropped for me so I want to test Dr P's theory to see if it works for me and my 5000 calorie laden thighs. Not sure when I'll start properly, it's the weekend and then I go away and always end up eating things I wouldn't normally eat, (like white bread,) so maybe when I get back.
I will test, and let you know.
Isn't that genius? Doesn't it make sense? The penny really dropped for me so I want to test Dr P's theory to see if it works for me and my 5000 calorie laden thighs. Not sure when I'll start properly, it's the weekend and then I go away and always end up eating things I wouldn't normally eat, (like white bread,) so maybe when I get back.
I will test, and let you know.
Saturday, 9 June 2012
White Knuckle Ride
It's Saturday 9th June and I'm Christening a new journal this morning. It's gorgeous, and I love it, it's a hardback, has "imagine," on the front and "create," on the back. The pages inside are lined and dusky pink with a paisley pattern overlaid, each page is tipped with gold, (opposite the spine,) and it has a bookmark ribbon running through it, it's just perfect and was only a fiver. Could I be happier?
It's been a short week, I only went back to work on Wednesday after the Jubilee holiday, but getting back to getting up at 4am was no picnic. I felt dreadful on Wednesday, (Tuesday night, I slept like it was a Sunday, i.e, not well,) plus I've struggled with headaches and vision, (I know I need my eyes testing,) back pain, (may have overdone the workouts for the six days I was off,) and toothache. By Thursday, I felt 91 years of age.
We've had torrential rain all week, (the wipers on the car make my eyes/head worse by the way.) I've just heard on the radio that people in a holiday camp in South Wales have had to be helicoptered to safety, including members of the RN LI, due to severe flooding. This weather is set to continue apparently, such is a British Summer, ah, I love summer.
Well, apart from the eyes/headache/teeth and tiredness, I've had a few compliments this week, four in three days actually, not bad huh? So that cheered me up, I must be doing something right.
J and her Hubby, (that's Dear Brother in Law who always manages to fix my car, please God keep the car going for two weeks minimum,) well, they're in Cornwall in a holiday cottage with the dogs. Sister B has been away at a wedding for a week and got home Thursday. I leave this coming Thursday to go to Southampton remember, for a lovely, long weekend. Some of my friends from down south, I haven't seen for seven months, some for, must be a year and one in particular, for two years. Cannot wait to see them all and have a lovely break. I'm hoping the rain holds off for my visit and I'm flying down rather than driving.
Speaking of flying down, I've had some very weird dreams this week. You know that I'm not a "white knuckler," a nervous flight passenger? Well, in the first dream, I'm at the airport, trying to get through security and desperately trying to find my passport. I can't find it, can't even find my document holder which I always keep my passport in when I travel. I could feel the panic and the heat overwhelm my body as I frantically searched as I went into meltdown. I found it eventually, buried in my case, amongst clothes.
Two nights later and my dream was a little more dramatic. My plane crashed. In one scene, clear as day, I was on board, mid flight and tidying up for the cabin crew, I was busy stowing an excess amount of "loose" items under seats, a lot seemed to be the colour red for some reason. The next minute, we were in a nose dive and I could see the view from the cockpit, the kind you see in disaster movies with the ground rushing towards the plane at warp speed.
In the next scene, I'm in the airport, watching as the plane crashes into the terminal, people come rushing around the corner from the crash, like they've just got off a roller coaster ride, everyone is fine and all I can think of is, "but I tidied up!"
I'm now wondering if I watched the plane crash into the airport, was I already dead? Did I get sucked out of the plane on the way down, part of it did seem to be missing. I'm just messing with you. Usually I try to listen to my little voices but in this case, I just think I've had a lot on my mind the past few weeks, plus I'm due to fly, one of my favourite TV dramas has just had a plane crash and there was an actual plane crash last week. So, it's all explainable, apart from the tidying up.
I slept pretty well last night, (and no dreams... that I can remember,) took me 30 minutes to peel myself from the mattress this morning. Only jogged for 30 minutes, my legs felt heavy, did a bit of toning and I'll do more later, I really think this is the clue to my compliments, the toning.
I'm heading home to do housework, iron and think about what to pack, I can't wait for the break, I can't wait to get to the airport, on that plane and buckle up, despite the dreams, I really should have been a travel writer.
It's been a short week, I only went back to work on Wednesday after the Jubilee holiday, but getting back to getting up at 4am was no picnic. I felt dreadful on Wednesday, (Tuesday night, I slept like it was a Sunday, i.e, not well,) plus I've struggled with headaches and vision, (I know I need my eyes testing,) back pain, (may have overdone the workouts for the six days I was off,) and toothache. By Thursday, I felt 91 years of age.
We've had torrential rain all week, (the wipers on the car make my eyes/head worse by the way.) I've just heard on the radio that people in a holiday camp in South Wales have had to be helicoptered to safety, including members of the RN LI, due to severe flooding. This weather is set to continue apparently, such is a British Summer, ah, I love summer.
Well, apart from the eyes/headache/teeth and tiredness, I've had a few compliments this week, four in three days actually, not bad huh? So that cheered me up, I must be doing something right.
J and her Hubby, (that's Dear Brother in Law who always manages to fix my car, please God keep the car going for two weeks minimum,) well, they're in Cornwall in a holiday cottage with the dogs. Sister B has been away at a wedding for a week and got home Thursday. I leave this coming Thursday to go to Southampton remember, for a lovely, long weekend. Some of my friends from down south, I haven't seen for seven months, some for, must be a year and one in particular, for two years. Cannot wait to see them all and have a lovely break. I'm hoping the rain holds off for my visit and I'm flying down rather than driving.
Speaking of flying down, I've had some very weird dreams this week. You know that I'm not a "white knuckler," a nervous flight passenger? Well, in the first dream, I'm at the airport, trying to get through security and desperately trying to find my passport. I can't find it, can't even find my document holder which I always keep my passport in when I travel. I could feel the panic and the heat overwhelm my body as I frantically searched as I went into meltdown. I found it eventually, buried in my case, amongst clothes.
Two nights later and my dream was a little more dramatic. My plane crashed. In one scene, clear as day, I was on board, mid flight and tidying up for the cabin crew, I was busy stowing an excess amount of "loose" items under seats, a lot seemed to be the colour red for some reason. The next minute, we were in a nose dive and I could see the view from the cockpit, the kind you see in disaster movies with the ground rushing towards the plane at warp speed.
In the next scene, I'm in the airport, watching as the plane crashes into the terminal, people come rushing around the corner from the crash, like they've just got off a roller coaster ride, everyone is fine and all I can think of is, "but I tidied up!"
I'm now wondering if I watched the plane crash into the airport, was I already dead? Did I get sucked out of the plane on the way down, part of it did seem to be missing. I'm just messing with you. Usually I try to listen to my little voices but in this case, I just think I've had a lot on my mind the past few weeks, plus I'm due to fly, one of my favourite TV dramas has just had a plane crash and there was an actual plane crash last week. So, it's all explainable, apart from the tidying up.
I slept pretty well last night, (and no dreams... that I can remember,) took me 30 minutes to peel myself from the mattress this morning. Only jogged for 30 minutes, my legs felt heavy, did a bit of toning and I'll do more later, I really think this is the clue to my compliments, the toning.
I'm heading home to do housework, iron and think about what to pack, I can't wait for the break, I can't wait to get to the airport, on that plane and buckle up, despite the dreams, I really should have been a travel writer.
Friday, 8 June 2012
Jubilee Tuesday
It's now Tuesday and we're still celebrating. Watching the festivities today, I have honestly never felt more patriotic. The Queen actually looked happy and moved, this is a woman who rarely shows emotion. Sadly, the Duke of Edinburgh was taken to hospital yesterday with an infection and the Queen does look a little forlorn without her consort by her side, she is trooping ahead though, nothing can dampen these celebrations, not even the dreadful weather.
There are a reported 1.5 million people in the Mall, it is really quite spectacular.
Last night was a special Jubilee Concert but I recorded most of it as it was on so late. When I went out for coffee this morning, I kept hearing people mention Gary Barlow, this is of course the great Gary Barlow of Take That fame and a local lad, well, he organised the whole thing, plus, working with Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, wrote, recorded and arranged a song to mark the Jubilee with artists from the UK and many other Commonwealth countries. Everyone was impressed by the whole extravaganza, and after watching today, so was I, it was really well done. Fireworks at the end were suitably triumphant, better than anything we've ever done for New Year, put it that way... thank goodness.
This is the performance on concert night of the Jubilee Song; http://youtu.be/e7R9hv4NUf4 with any luck, it will eek into your brain and drive you nuts for the rest of the week, as it has done mine.
This is the video which kind of tells the story; http://youtu.be/0ah_Yf7ey1Q It's actually quite uplifting and the little girl who starts and ends the song is called Lydia.
The group Madness performed from on top of the Palace , flanked by some incredible visuals projected onto the front of the Palace. Madness always reminds me of dodgy school discos and dancing in my prized ra-ra skirt, I thought I was the bees knees. I distinctly remember going to one school disco in said skirt, with my friend Anita, we met when I was four and she was five and she is my oldest friend. The ra-ra is dead and buried but Madness seem to have stood the test of time.
Thought you'd like to take a look at this... http://youtu.be/6BEW2LuX3-M Love it near the end when Suggs says "Who could have Adam and Eve'd it?"
Can you imagine this Ra Ra in black and white and marvel at how great I looked?
There are a reported 1.5 million people in the Mall, it is really quite spectacular.
Last night was a special Jubilee Concert but I recorded most of it as it was on so late. When I went out for coffee this morning, I kept hearing people mention Gary Barlow, this is of course the great Gary Barlow of Take That fame and a local lad, well, he organised the whole thing, plus, working with Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, wrote, recorded and arranged a song to mark the Jubilee with artists from the UK and many other Commonwealth countries. Everyone was impressed by the whole extravaganza, and after watching today, so was I, it was really well done. Fireworks at the end were suitably triumphant, better than anything we've ever done for New Year, put it that way... thank goodness.
This is the performance on concert night of the Jubilee Song; http://youtu.be/e7R9hv4NUf4 with any luck, it will eek into your brain and drive you nuts for the rest of the week, as it has done mine.
This is the video which kind of tells the story; http://youtu.be/0ah_Yf7ey1Q It's actually quite uplifting and the little girl who starts and ends the song is called Lydia.
The group Madness performed from on top of the Palace , flanked by some incredible visuals projected onto the front of the Palace. Madness always reminds me of dodgy school discos and dancing in my prized ra-ra skirt, I thought I was the bees knees. I distinctly remember going to one school disco in said skirt, with my friend Anita, we met when I was four and she was five and she is my oldest friend. The ra-ra is dead and buried but Madness seem to have stood the test of time.
Thought you'd like to take a look at this... http://youtu.be/6BEW2LuX3-M Love it near the end when Suggs says "Who could have Adam and Eve'd it?"
Can you imagine this Ra Ra in black and white and marvel at how great I looked?
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Saturday and the Celebrations Continue
I have watched today on TV, A Jubilee Tribute to the Queen, by the Prince of Wales. It was utterly charming. The Prince of Wales endearingly commentated on private and public cine films. I could have been looking at my sister B's cine films, but obviously not of the Royal family. Absolutely charming. I've been on at B for years for her to convert the cine films to DVD before they perish, I am newly charged and must push for her to get them swapped over, or dig them out for me and I'll arrange it.
So I watched The Prince of Wales' personal tribute to his mother. Prince Charles was so down to earth and normal, his comments could have been from any family member, other than, "my Aunt," was followed by; "Princess Margaret," or his "Uncle," Lord Mountbatten.
Prince Charles, with glassy eyes, states that this is the first time that he has seen "Ma'ma" fish, (on film obviously.) Obviously a distant memory that was reawakened, and with that memory, the Prince of Wales reawakens one of my distant memories. My Brother-in-law George, who, because of the age difference and due to the fact that he was a part of my family before I even arrived, was the closest thing I had to a Dad growing up. I remembered going fishing with him on the banks of the Dee. I didn't fish you understand, I sat, and observed from a large rock, in silence. I was like a golf caddie if you will, except all that I carried was the odd fish that jumped into my coat pocket without my knowledge. It was wonderful though. Totally safe, peaceful but for the ripple of the Dee, and I cherish every minute I can remember.
The Duke of Edinburgh, judging by the private footage, seemed like a really fun Dad by the way. Her Majesty, just like any normal and fun loving Mum, she was a Mum before she became Queen and watching this, I realise how much I've taken the Queen for granted. Queen Elizabeth was well into her reign by the time I was born, she is a constant and has always been there. Like anyone who serves in the services, she has given her life for her country and I have a newly found respect for her. Her Majesty is actually quite amazing, I'm not sure when we will ever see the like again, certainly not within my lifetime.
The documentary touches on losing Lord Mountbatten and the great void it left in the life of Her Majesty. I remember the events but not the service, the footage shown was sombre and moving, must have been so difficult.
Happier memories and footage of Prince Charles's Grandfather arm in arm with Her Majesty. Christmas Day 1951, everyone enjoying Christmas together and looking so happy, just like any other family in the world. A few months later, he would be gone and the Princess's duty would begin.
The footage moves to East Africa, 1952 and Treetops. The Princess and her husband Philip were on a tour of the Commonwealth when she received news that her Father had died in his sleep. Overnight, Princess Elizabeth had become Queen. Her new life had begun.
So I watched The Prince of Wales' personal tribute to his mother. Prince Charles was so down to earth and normal, his comments could have been from any family member, other than, "my Aunt," was followed by; "Princess Margaret," or his "Uncle," Lord Mountbatten.
Prince Charles, with glassy eyes, states that this is the first time that he has seen "Ma'ma" fish, (on film obviously.) Obviously a distant memory that was reawakened, and with that memory, the Prince of Wales reawakens one of my distant memories. My Brother-in-law George, who, because of the age difference and due to the fact that he was a part of my family before I even arrived, was the closest thing I had to a Dad growing up. I remembered going fishing with him on the banks of the Dee. I didn't fish you understand, I sat, and observed from a large rock, in silence. I was like a golf caddie if you will, except all that I carried was the odd fish that jumped into my coat pocket without my knowledge. It was wonderful though. Totally safe, peaceful but for the ripple of the Dee, and I cherish every minute I can remember.
The Duke of Edinburgh, judging by the private footage, seemed like a really fun Dad by the way. Her Majesty, just like any normal and fun loving Mum, she was a Mum before she became Queen and watching this, I realise how much I've taken the Queen for granted. Queen Elizabeth was well into her reign by the time I was born, she is a constant and has always been there. Like anyone who serves in the services, she has given her life for her country and I have a newly found respect for her. Her Majesty is actually quite amazing, I'm not sure when we will ever see the like again, certainly not within my lifetime.
The documentary touches on losing Lord Mountbatten and the great void it left in the life of Her Majesty. I remember the events but not the service, the footage shown was sombre and moving, must have been so difficult.
Happier memories and footage of Prince Charles's Grandfather arm in arm with Her Majesty. Christmas Day 1951, everyone enjoying Christmas together and looking so happy, just like any other family in the world. A few months later, he would be gone and the Princess's duty would begin.
The footage moves to East Africa, 1952 and Treetops. The Princess and her husband Philip were on a tour of the Commonwealth when she received news that her Father had died in his sleep. Overnight, Princess Elizabeth had become Queen. Her new life had begun.
Diamond Jubilee Thames Flotilla
Saturday, I spent the whole day not feeling quite right. I know that I need my eyes testing and I feel like I have a headache all day, or that my eyes are drawing together and I can't quite focus. The rain woke me this morning, I breakfasted then worked out for an hour, will do more later.
Anyway, after a reasonably dull day, it's the final of The Voice UK, my two favourites were head to had last weekend in the semi final and the favourite, Ruth Brown, was sent home. Happily, the final four still contained Leanne Mitchell, a former Red Coat if I remember correctly and someone truly talented. Leanne belonged to "Team Tom," that is, Sir Tom Jones to you and me, they were perfectly matched, his style, his choice of music for Leanne fit her voice perfectly and showcased it to perfection. Sir Tom is a legend, I've never seen him in the role of mentor before and he is the ultimate Mr Nice Guy, always positive in giving feedback whether the mentee was on his team or not, what a gent. Having said that, Mr Will. I. Am, another judge and mentor, was a revelation. He is funny and endearing, slightly crackers, and I had no idea that he'd written so many songs for so many other artists, not just The Black Eyed Peas.
So, Leanne was the shock winner, it wasn't a shock to me but apparently, after the first finalist was knocked out half way through the show, out of the remaining three, the bookies had her in third place. Happily, the nation voted with their hearts and with sense and for once, we actually got it right. Leanne is stunning and I will be buying her album when it's out. Here is Leanne's last performance on The Voice UK, before she was named the winner; http://youtu.be/q2_0XDwfEoE
So, today is the big day, Her Majesty has been on the thrown for 60 years, that is quite something as I'm sure you'll agree, 60 years in any job is something to be celebrated. It's the big Thames Pageant today, the biggest event on the Thames since the 1700's, shame about the rain but it wouldn't have been the same if the sun had shone now would it?
Thought the pageant, which went on for hours, may be a bit of snooze fest but it was actually a sight to behold, seeing all of those vessels on the Thames at the same time, all of the UK and the Commonwealth represented, it was... spectacular. Amongst the rowers were Olympians Sir Steve Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent, and also Ben Fogle, a face and figure familiar on these shores. It was honestly breath taking.
The last time I walked along the banks of the Thames, it was with dear friends, some of whom are now not with us anymore, but it brought back lots of special, happy and sunny memories.
The Duchess of Cambridge is looking stunning in brilliant red. The Queen, resplendent in White, don't think I've ever seen Her Majesty in white before. She looks beautiful and resplendent, and I'm worried about her standing in the rain for about 3 hours or more, she is 86 years of age for heavens sake, get her in the warm and dry.
Well, it's now 5.30pm and the rain that we had this morning seems to have hit the Thames this afternoon, it is torrential. Such a shame for the festivities.
Anyway, after a reasonably dull day, it's the final of The Voice UK, my two favourites were head to had last weekend in the semi final and the favourite, Ruth Brown, was sent home. Happily, the final four still contained Leanne Mitchell, a former Red Coat if I remember correctly and someone truly talented. Leanne belonged to "Team Tom," that is, Sir Tom Jones to you and me, they were perfectly matched, his style, his choice of music for Leanne fit her voice perfectly and showcased it to perfection. Sir Tom is a legend, I've never seen him in the role of mentor before and he is the ultimate Mr Nice Guy, always positive in giving feedback whether the mentee was on his team or not, what a gent. Having said that, Mr Will. I. Am, another judge and mentor, was a revelation. He is funny and endearing, slightly crackers, and I had no idea that he'd written so many songs for so many other artists, not just The Black Eyed Peas.
So, Leanne was the shock winner, it wasn't a shock to me but apparently, after the first finalist was knocked out half way through the show, out of the remaining three, the bookies had her in third place. Happily, the nation voted with their hearts and with sense and for once, we actually got it right. Leanne is stunning and I will be buying her album when it's out. Here is Leanne's last performance on The Voice UK, before she was named the winner; http://youtu.be/q2_0XDwfEoE
So, today is the big day, Her Majesty has been on the thrown for 60 years, that is quite something as I'm sure you'll agree, 60 years in any job is something to be celebrated. It's the big Thames Pageant today, the biggest event on the Thames since the 1700's, shame about the rain but it wouldn't have been the same if the sun had shone now would it?
Thought the pageant, which went on for hours, may be a bit of snooze fest but it was actually a sight to behold, seeing all of those vessels on the Thames at the same time, all of the UK and the Commonwealth represented, it was... spectacular. Amongst the rowers were Olympians Sir Steve Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent, and also Ben Fogle, a face and figure familiar on these shores. It was honestly breath taking.
The last time I walked along the banks of the Thames, it was with dear friends, some of whom are now not with us anymore, but it brought back lots of special, happy and sunny memories.
The Duchess of Cambridge is looking stunning in brilliant red. The Queen, resplendent in White, don't think I've ever seen Her Majesty in white before. She looks beautiful and resplendent, and I'm worried about her standing in the rain for about 3 hours or more, she is 86 years of age for heavens sake, get her in the warm and dry.
Well, it's now 5.30pm and the rain that we had this morning seems to have hit the Thames this afternoon, it is torrential. Such a shame for the festivities.
Friday, 1 June 2012
It's a Grey Day.
It's Friday and my alarm wakes me around 6am. I slept great, but I am as stiff as a board. I did a new work out two nights ago, and I'm still paying for it, or, in my eyes, I did it right because I can really feel it. I did this one; http://youtu.be/2i08ftNYpug it seemed easy to do, no problem at all but boy, could I feel it the next day, and the day after. Try it if you're brave enough.
I eventually head out to my usual coffee haunt and sit surrounded by the latest magazines, I don't usually indulge in so many, they're so expensive these days, but Mr David Beckham is gracing the cover of Elle, and it's historical, so I have to buy it, Eva Mendes, talented actress and beauty, (and partner of my ideal man; Ryan Gosling,) is gracing Marie Claire, so in lieu of food, I have indulged. I'm excited, not sure if it's the prospect of having 6 whole days off or if Jubilee Fever has finally got to me, but I am excited today.
You know that I am an avid Grey's Anatomy fan and that I've been trying to convert you for years? Well, I finally watched today, the finale of season 8. Creator Shonda Rhimes is a genius and she and her writing team are just creatively astounding. Just breath taking. I have just sobbed through the finale. I would never in a million years be as brilliant a writer /creator as she, nor would I be brave enough to say goodbye to characters, I would be far too attached, they would all be my babies, that I would give my life for, but that is not being creatively brilliant, is it? My hat is off to Ms Rhimes.
I have seriously sobbed like I've just been bereaved, and laughed, the character of Christina, brilliantly played by my favourite; Sandra Oh, has some of the best lines, as always, her character is dry and sarcastic, and I identify with her very well. Just genius, cannot believe I have to wait several months for a follow up. Gosh dang it. I am spent, emotionally drained, pass me another tissue.
Okay, Season One, Ep 6, repeat of Modern Family, almost cried, need to get a grip. Just too many creative people in this world.
I eventually head out to my usual coffee haunt and sit surrounded by the latest magazines, I don't usually indulge in so many, they're so expensive these days, but Mr David Beckham is gracing the cover of Elle, and it's historical, so I have to buy it, Eva Mendes, talented actress and beauty, (and partner of my ideal man; Ryan Gosling,) is gracing Marie Claire, so in lieu of food, I have indulged. I'm excited, not sure if it's the prospect of having 6 whole days off or if Jubilee Fever has finally got to me, but I am excited today.
You know that I am an avid Grey's Anatomy fan and that I've been trying to convert you for years? Well, I finally watched today, the finale of season 8. Creator Shonda Rhimes is a genius and she and her writing team are just creatively astounding. Just breath taking. I have just sobbed through the finale. I would never in a million years be as brilliant a writer /creator as she, nor would I be brave enough to say goodbye to characters, I would be far too attached, they would all be my babies, that I would give my life for, but that is not being creatively brilliant, is it? My hat is off to Ms Rhimes.
I have seriously sobbed like I've just been bereaved, and laughed, the character of Christina, brilliantly played by my favourite; Sandra Oh, has some of the best lines, as always, her character is dry and sarcastic, and I identify with her very well. Just genius, cannot believe I have to wait several months for a follow up. Gosh dang it. I am spent, emotionally drained, pass me another tissue.
Okay, Season One, Ep 6, repeat of Modern Family, almost cried, need to get a grip. Just too many creative people in this world.
The Torch
I have had a dreadful week at work. I won't even bore you with the details, suffice to say that no one in authority takes ownership of their own mistakes and that no one in authority, at my place of work anyway, cares about the staff. I'm done now, thank you for listening.
So, in light of the farce in work that has gone on for the past two weeks, I decided to take extra leave. J is going on holiday the early hours of Thursday, so I won't have much contact and I won't see her for about three weeks. So I offered to take her shopping for last minute holiday stuff, and we could spend some time together.
Despite going to bed late on Wednesday night, I woke at 3.45am this Thursday morning, my usual time. I tried to get back to sleep for a good while, then got up at 5am. I had breakfast then jogged for an hour. It's cloudy and raining today, the first we've had for two weeks, and I don't care, I'm off work.
J and I avoided the Bridge like the plague as it was being closed while the Olympic torch was run across it. The Bridge was being closed for an hour, can you imagine the backlog of traffic? J and I headed for a neighbouring town, far, far away, where the traffic was free flowing.
We parked up and headed, in the horizontal rain, for Starbucks. A coffee and half a fruit toast later, plus a substantial conversational catch up, and we hit the shops. They are filled with holiday items, but as I'm not going anywhere and J is only going in this country, with the dogs, we passed on everything.
After mooching around the shops, with no purchases, J and I headed for Starbucks again, mainly for the sit down before we hit M&S for a food shop, they have special offers on for the weekend, and as it's "Dine for Two," I get two meals, or one meal twice, lucky me.
So, it's still raining when I get home. I start the ironing then head out to get my hair cut, it's desperate, I haven't been able to coax the barnet into anything for weeks now. After spending all day avoiding the torch, I see one! It's obviously a torch bearer, holding extinguished torch and having photo taken outside the Ferry Boat, remember we had coffee there? I park up and head for my hairdressers. Louise, my hairdresser asks me if I've had a stab at it myself and I confess all. She laughs and tells me that at least I own up, it's the customers who have clearly had a go themselves that don't own up that makes her scratch her head. As usual, I take multiple pictures to attempt to illustrate how I want it, better that than try to explain, but I always add that Louise can do what she wants, she has a great understanding of my weird hair, so I trust her. I ponder that I even saw a short hairstyle that I liked and that I considered it. Suffice to say that Louise put me straight, and with my weird, curly, fine, bald in places hair, there is no way on earth that I should consider going short, at least I know now. I really like Louise, she brings me to my senses. Absolutely no nonsense.
So I leave the hairdressers, do a little food shopping, (it's dead, think everyone is avoiding the torch,) and head home to make a few phone calls then continue with the ironing, life is so exciting.
So, in light of the farce in work that has gone on for the past two weeks, I decided to take extra leave. J is going on holiday the early hours of Thursday, so I won't have much contact and I won't see her for about three weeks. So I offered to take her shopping for last minute holiday stuff, and we could spend some time together.
Despite going to bed late on Wednesday night, I woke at 3.45am this Thursday morning, my usual time. I tried to get back to sleep for a good while, then got up at 5am. I had breakfast then jogged for an hour. It's cloudy and raining today, the first we've had for two weeks, and I don't care, I'm off work.
J and I avoided the Bridge like the plague as it was being closed while the Olympic torch was run across it. The Bridge was being closed for an hour, can you imagine the backlog of traffic? J and I headed for a neighbouring town, far, far away, where the traffic was free flowing.
We parked up and headed, in the horizontal rain, for Starbucks. A coffee and half a fruit toast later, plus a substantial conversational catch up, and we hit the shops. They are filled with holiday items, but as I'm not going anywhere and J is only going in this country, with the dogs, we passed on everything.
After mooching around the shops, with no purchases, J and I headed for Starbucks again, mainly for the sit down before we hit M&S for a food shop, they have special offers on for the weekend, and as it's "Dine for Two," I get two meals, or one meal twice, lucky me.
So, it's still raining when I get home. I start the ironing then head out to get my hair cut, it's desperate, I haven't been able to coax the barnet into anything for weeks now. After spending all day avoiding the torch, I see one! It's obviously a torch bearer, holding extinguished torch and having photo taken outside the Ferry Boat, remember we had coffee there? I park up and head for my hairdressers. Louise, my hairdresser asks me if I've had a stab at it myself and I confess all. She laughs and tells me that at least I own up, it's the customers who have clearly had a go themselves that don't own up that makes her scratch her head. As usual, I take multiple pictures to attempt to illustrate how I want it, better that than try to explain, but I always add that Louise can do what she wants, she has a great understanding of my weird hair, so I trust her. I ponder that I even saw a short hairstyle that I liked and that I considered it. Suffice to say that Louise put me straight, and with my weird, curly, fine, bald in places hair, there is no way on earth that I should consider going short, at least I know now. I really like Louise, she brings me to my senses. Absolutely no nonsense.
So I leave the hairdressers, do a little food shopping, (it's dead, think everyone is avoiding the torch,) and head home to make a few phone calls then continue with the ironing, life is so exciting.
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